It was the second largest turnout yet for Iraq Moratorium Day # 9 in Hayward, Wisconsin since the event started last November. Roughly 75 peace and anti-war supporters turned out to demand an end to this war, and to welcome Kathy Kelly to the north woods of Wisconsin.

We also demanded that St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and the St. Paul City Council grant the Republican National Convention march organizers the permit they’ve requested, rather than a permit for an alternate route.

Vigilers waved at motorists, leafleted passersby, held signs, had their pictures taken with Kathy, and spoke openly of their determination to return monthly until this war ends.

Later that evening 45 people came to the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Hayward to listen to Kathy Kelly’s remarkable stories of her life, and of the incredible suffering of the Iraqi people under the weight of American sanctions and militarism. She spoke also of her upcoming “Witness Against War” walk from Chicago to St. Paul later this summer. After the presentation many people spoke to her about the possibility of joining Voices for Creative Nonviolence during portions of the walk.

We’re looking forward to June, when we’re still hoping, once again, to get our largest crowd to date!